Dean Smith insists Collins can still have a future at Villa

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith insists James Collins can still have a future at the club after his selfless act.

The former West Ham United star has been training with Aston Villa this season after leaving the Hammers and offered a short-term deal.

Smith gave Collins a short-term five-week contract thought around £10,000-a-week until the end of January to help provide cover in defense for the club.

But the former Wales international went out to train later that day after signing the contract and injured his calf. He was frustrated with himself, then went back inside Villa’s training ground and tore up the contract.

“James has been training with us for four or five weeks looking to get his fitness.”

“We were having a bit of a crisis defensively in games. I had asked him if he would be prepared to sign a short-term contract just to help us through that short-term period.”

“But he felt his calf tighten up when he went for a jog. He felt it was not right if we put it through at the moment as he knew he needed to get himself fit first. It is a great credit to James. He is a great lad and he will still be coming in and training with us.”

“He is one if we feel if we can get his fitness up to the level required, he will be part of the squad. But James also is aware the January window is opening up as well which makes it a bit tougher.”

“It is a little bit of a missed opportunity with him getting injured when he did.”

“But he has come through that and is back training so we will have to assess it when we get to January.”

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